Rev. Connie at her installationThe travelers (Helena Showell not pictured)

Prior to her ordination, Connie Simon was an intern at USG for two years. This summer, she became the first Black minister at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati. Currently, in the US, there are fewer than ten Black women UU ministers with their own congregation. USG has had an integral role to play in adding Rev. Connie Simon to this demographic.

A group of people from USG travelled by van and car to Cincinnati to attend Rev. Connie’s Installation on October 29th. Before we left Philadelphia, Andrea Durham gave us boxes of Diwali diyas. And it was thus we went, bearing gifts of light to the new minister and her congregation. It was a UU road trip, which means food to share, stories to tell and lots of laughter. On this trip, we made new discoveries about each other and forged deeper relationships.

Thank you, USG family of fellow travelers, for your companionship and generosity. Thank you, members of the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, for opening your hearts and homes to us. Thank you, Rev. Connie Simon, for being the reason all this was made possible. We may not all have been able to attend your Installation in person but please know that everyone at USG wishes you the very best in your life and ministry. May your congregation thrive and flourish under your spiritual leadership.

Meet Our Minister

Kent Matthies is a life-long Unitarian Universalist who grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. Kent came to USG in 2002, bringing a vision for ministry that includes working for meaningful social change as well as providing pastoral care and meeting spiritual needs. More about Kent and other members of our staff.